Board recommends code change clarifying requirements for metal trusses in architecture standards

The Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board recommended that the City Commission adopt a zoning code text amendment clarifying truss requirements in Article 5 (Architecture). Staff explained the amendment is intended to distinguish between traditional wood trusses (residential 2x6 requirements remain) and heavier‑gauge metal trusses appropriate for certain commercial or larger projects.

Craig Southern of Planning and Zoning described the change as relatively limited and technical: it would allow designers to specify hot‑rolled steel heavy‑gauge metal trusses where structurally appropriate, while retaining the existing wood truss standards for residential construction. Southern said the city’s structural engineers reviewed the draft text and suggested language to address durability and termite/decay concerns that historically motivated the 2x6 wood‑truss requirement.

Board members noted the amendment preserves both options — heavier metal trusses for certain projects and 2x6 wood trusses for residential uses — and asked that structural standards be enforced through permitting. No members of the public spoke on the item. The board voted to recommend the text amendment as presented by staff. The recommendation will move to the City Commission for final adoption and to the Building and Permitting division for implementation during plan review.

Board member Robert Behar recused from the subsequent item because he had filed a conflict form earlier in the meeting; the record shows his recusal before adjournment. The truss text amendment recommendation passed with affirmative votes from board members present.